Step Ladder Carrier with Externally Accessible Movable Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing step ladder carriers either expose ladders to the elements, fail to secure them during transport, or are inefficient in loading and unloading, particularly when carrying ladders of varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
A step ladder carrier with an isosceles trapezoidal enclosure and a movable stop mechanism operated by an externally accessible handle, allowing top-loading and secure positioning of ladders of varying sizes, with a mechanism to prevent sliding during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If step ladders are carried on elevated racks on vehicles, then they are easily accessible, but they are exposed to the elements causing deterioration and safety problems
Solution Approach 1:
The step ladder is nested within an enclosed carrier that fits onto the vehicle rack. The carrier has an isosceles trapezoidal shape that accommodates the ladder while protecting it from environmental elements during transport and storage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If step ladders are carried in enclosed carriers, then they are protected from the elements, but existing carriers are either too small or allow ladders to slide around during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier includes a movable stop mechanism that can be positioned to contact the first step of the ladder, preventing it from sliding forward during transport. The stop is movable to allow easy loading and unloading of the ladder while providing secure retention during vehicle movement.
3Reliability
If straps with hooks are used inside the carrier to secure the ladder, then the ladder is held in place, but the securing mechanism is not externally accessible requiring entry into the carrier
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanism is extracted from the interior of the carrier and made externally accessible. The stop can be moved from a retracted position where it does not contact the ladder to an engaged position where it contacts the first step, all without requiring entry into the carrier.
4Reliability
If the ladder is inserted into the carrier feet first, then it can be secured with internal straps, but the loading process is complicated and requires inverting the ladder
Solution Approach 1:
The loading process is inverted from the conventional feet-first insertion. The carrier's design with the externally accessible stop allows the ladder to be loaded top-first in a natural orientation, simplifying the loading process while maintaining secure retention through the stop mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A step ladder carrier has an enclosure and a ladder securing assembly. The ladder securing assembly has a movable stop having an engaged position in which it engages a first step of a step ladder and having a disengaged position in which it does not engage a first step of a step ladder, the movable stop being moved between the engaged and disengaged positions by an externally accessible handle at the rear wall of the carrier.